A Day of Mourning Declared in Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov has declared September 19 as a national day of mourning for those who lost their lives due to armed clashes along the border with Tajikistan, Interfax reports, citing Japarov's press service.

On the day of mourning, the state flags of Kyrgyzstan will be flown at half-mast throughout the country and at diplomatic representations abroad. Cultural institutions and television and radio companies are advised to cancel entertainment events and broadcasts.

Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin called on the parties to prevent further escalation and to take measures to resolve the situation peacefully as soon as possible, reaffirming the Russian Federation's readiness to provide necessary assistance to ensure stability.

The armed conflict along the Kyrgyz-Tajik border began on September 14, with gunfire reported between the armed forces of the two countries in the Batken region of Kyrgyzstan. According to the Kyrgyz side, the Tajik armed forces used armored vehicles, infantry fighting vehicles, tanks, mortars, and multiple rocket launcher systems to strike Kyrgyz residential areas and border points.

Kyrgyzstan reports 24 fatalities and 129 injuries, with more than 136,000 people evacuated. Tajikistan has not reported any casualties.